Actors Dayton Sinkia (left), NIc Carter (center), Alex McGreevey (right)
in "Night of the Living Dead" at Jobsite Theater. Photo:April Smith
Attention all people who enjoy live theater: the ongoing production of
“Night of the Living Dead” currently being performed at The Jobsite Theater at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is
an excellent example ofwell-done
live theater.
It should be mentioned that the author is NOT a fan of horror movies, avoids entering haunted houses, (even ran out the front door of one once) and had never seen the movie version of "Night of the Living Dead" prior to seeing the live play version on Sunday Nov. 1. 2009. Perhaps now you're wondering why someone who is described that way would be going to the play in the first place, but there is a good answer: the Jobsite Theater consistently provides a wonderful theater experience. And as a season ticket holder, I felt it was worth risking some possible uncomfortable moments in order to see what Jobsite had prepared for their audience now.
Plus, as the Tampa Art and Design Examiner, it seemed only right to see how artistically a famous horror movie could be brought to the stage. And knowing that previous performances at Jobsite have included ample blood and gunshots, it seemed anything might be possible. And I wasn't disappointed. Before the show, I had questions such as:
- ‘how effective would the make-up be?’ Answer: very effective! Look at the slideshow below for more pictures showing a variety of Zombies in full makeup.
and
- ‘would there be special effects and blood and gore onstage?’ Answer: Yes, plenty of blood and gore, gunshots, and physical fighting with the lurching undead.
and
-‘would the special make-up and costumes make it feel like a high-school production?’ Answer: not at all! The whole performance is extremely professional and effective- the actors, costume designer, special effects designer, scenic and lighting designer, and director all do fantastic jobs. All the elements work together and create a feeling of realism and seriousness that makes the scary moments even more scary.
In fact, after seeing the highly entertaining stage production, I went home and watched the original movie version by George Romero, to see how the two compared. The play by Lori Allen Ohm is based on the screenplay by George Romero, and directed by Chris Holcom. They have remained faithful to the movie in dialogue and overall story. There have been just a few additional elements added, but the audience is benefited by those additions.
Note to all you theater goers who leap up out of your seat the minute you sense the show is over- this time it's not over when you think it is. And it's well worth it to wait until the house lights have gone back up, because you will miss some special moments on the stage if you leave early.
So, in the final assessment, I can honestly say that the Jobsite Theater’s production of “Night of the Living Dead” is so well done and entertaining, that even someone who avoids scary movies and haunted houses with a passion, left the theater saying ‘I’m glad I got to see that. It was fun.’ Yup. fun….
The production has been extended to run through Nov. 15, 2009. You can get more information about the production and tickets here: http://www.jobsitetheater.org/livingdead.asp
And if you’re hungry for more information about the original movie, this page of IMDB is helpful: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063350/
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